Why is Ramadan So Important to Muslims?Allah has preferred certain months over others, certain days over others and certain nights over others.
Allah has preferred the day of Jumu’ah amongst all the other days of the week. Even at the level of a single night. Allah prefers certain parts of it to others. For example, the performance of nawafil ibadah (supererogatory worship) in the last third of the night is more beloved to Allah than its performance in any other parts of the night.
In a similar vein, Allah has preferred the month of Ramadan over all other months. It is only the name of this month that is mentioned in the Qur’an. It is only in this month that mankind has been blessed with most of the favours of Allah. It is in this month that the Torah, Injil, Zabur and the Qur’an were all revealed. It is the only month in which Allah has gathered goodness, light and guidance that stretches from one part of the globe to the other.
Abu Hurayrah narrates that the Messenger of Allah said: “The month of Ramadan has come to you, a blessed month wherein Allah has made obligatory fasting, opened the doors of Paradise and closed the doors of Hell.” (Ahmad)
SM Hasan al-Banna
What Have You Done to Prepare for Ramadan?Ramadan will be here in four to five days! Take a step back from whatever it is you are rushing to do - yes, that includes the so-important work deadline, studying for an upcoming exam, meeting your friends for an outing, shopping, watching tv and whatever else it may be that needs your attention.
Ramadan comes by only once in a year. Our worldly pursuits are just that - worldly. Some of these pursuits are indeed worthwhile - for instance, working hard, or studying to achieve one's optimum potential in this life. But these endeavors will be so much easier for us if we devote as much time to increasing our worship of our Creator, if only we would realize!
So don't use the lack of time as an excuse not to increase our acts of worship http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifduring Ramadan. Preparing for Ramadan before it begins is a good way to ensure that you will have a productive month, and that you will reap in all of this holy month's benefits.
We have compiled a list of articles within this blog that can help you prepare for Ramadan. Please take the time to read through them.
You have four to five days left - Come on, you can DO IT!
Ramadan Mubarak.
1) To get you started, peruse through these Basic Facts on Ramadan. Even if you are a born-Muslim, and think you know everything there is to know about your own religion, reading these simple facts will put you in a right frame of mind to receive the messages in the articles.
2) Have you ever asked yourself what was the reason why Muslims fast? Fasting is not a religious tradition invented by Muslims, nor is it a practice conducted solely by Muslims. Fasting has been a religious tradition in the prophetic traditions of Judaism and Christianity too. Fasting is supposed to bring one closer to God. Read this wonderful article on the philosophy behind fasting.
3) We are all very busy in our lives with many responsibilities to meet. We go to school, study, work, take care of the home and the family. While we desire to set time aside to prepare for Ramadan, it is often easier said than done. This article sets out tips to help you do just that and to overcome the lack of time complaint.
4) It is said that the month before Ramadan, that is, the month of Sha'ban, is a very important month. It is recommended that we begin preparing for Ramadan during the month of Sha'ban. It would not be good to enter Ramadan without preparations - we would be unduly tired, irritable from the lack of food, water and even sleep. Typically, takes a few days to adjust to the new routine. But with adequate preparation, we will not suffer, and instead able to enjoy the full benefit of Ramadan. This article shows you how to get prepared.
